Empire Direct have a good compromise solution - order on line and then pick up your purchase from one of their warehouses at your convenience. They're currently doing the HXD870 for 240.00 and the 970 for 299.00.
Not the best prices available but not too bad if you happen to live near one of their warehouses:
http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/conten...atures/stores/
Also, as RGB Direct have a store/showroom as well as an on line operation I wonder if John Lewis would price match them? They're currently doing the 870 for 223.00:
http://www.rgbdirect.co.uk/
If you do get a price match please let me know!